Where is Sugarloaf Mountain located? "Sugar loaves" in the Russian Empire and Iran. How to get on the excursion

While in Rio de Janeiro, pay attention to the famous Sugarloaf Mountain.

The spectacle that opens from the mountain is amazing. From above amazing panoramic view in Rio de Janeiro, the city's many golden beaches are visible. On the eastern side, tourists will see Guanabara Bay, above which Sugar Loaf rises. From the mountain you can see the famous statue of Christ, located on another mountain - Corcovado.

Origin of the name

There are three common versions of the origin unusual name mountains. The first is that the shape of the mountain is similar to the special cone-shaped structures in which Portuguese traders transported sugar in past centuries. Locals called these shapes “Sugar Loaves.” The second version is that the name of the mountain comes from more ancient times, when people lived here Indian tribe Tamoyos, who named the mountain that for reasons known only to him. According to the third version, the most obvious for many, the mountain was called Sugar Loaf only because it looks like either a piece of sugar, or sugar bread, or a sweet Easter cake. There are many other versions, but they do not find historical confirmation, so we will not consider them.

In the chronicles, Sugar Loaf in the mountain city of Rio de Janeiro was first mentioned in the notes of the Spanish missionary José de Anchieta in 1565, who narrated the founding of the city between the Cara de Cau and Sugar Loaf mountains. The first European to see the mountain was the Portuguese captain André Gonsalves (1502).

Climbing the mountain

Previously, it was almost impossible for tourists to climb the mountain. Now all the requirements for the safe ascent of everyone to the top of the mountain have been taken into account. First you need to get to the top of a nearby mountain called Urca (either on foot or by cable car). And from there you can take the funicular to the top of Sugar Loaf.

Most tourists begin to take their breath away even before climbing to the main peak. The beauty begins on the debut climb - Mount Urca, where wonderful observation platforms, there are several restaurants and souvenir shops. Here tourists are offered excursion pallets on a small helicopter over Rio de Janeiro. Stunning landscapes cannot be described in words.









As for Sugar Loaf itself, it’s even more interesting. At the top there is a picturesque park with many species of Brazilian animals and birds. The flora and fauna are amazing.

Mount Corcovado is one of the symbols of Rio de Janeiro. At its top rises a 38-meter statue of Christ the Redeemer, which is visible from almost all areas of the city. To visit Rio and not climb Corcovada is a real crime: after all, the picturesque view that opens from its top is truly unforgettable.

Paved to the top of Corcovado railway. Amazingly, the road was built in 1884 and is still operational today. Every hour the trains can carry up to 360 passengers to Corcovada. Over three hundred thousand tourists visit the peak every year.

Speaking about Corcovado, one cannot ignore the statue of Christ. It was installed on October 12, 1931. The main idea that the creators of the statue pursued was to convey one idea to people: everything that exists is in the hands of the Lord.

Sugarloaf Mountain

When talking about the main attractions of Rio de Janeiro, one cannot fail to mention the famous Sugarloaf Mountain. The mountain got its name due to its resemblance to a lump of sugar. There is also another version according to which the name of the mountain comes from the native phrase “paunh-acuqua”, which means “High Hill” or “Guardian of the Bay”.

The height of Sugar Loaf is 396 meters. You can get to its top using a funicular, a ride on which will be a real adventure. During the trip, at least one stop will be made - near the large amphitheater. It is located on the Moro da Urca plateau.

Once at the top of Sugarloaf, you will forget about everything in the world - the view that opens from the very top high point Rio de Janeiro is truly amazing.

Mount Silvado

Mount Silvado is the fourth highest mountain in Rio de Marica. Its height reaches 639 meters above sea level.

From the top of the mountain you can enjoy exceptional views of mountain peaks, as well as a stunning coastline, popular among tourists.

You can get to the top of the mountain using a path with signs indicating the way. The hot sun may make the path a little difficult, but the mountain is very convenient for walking. At the top of the mountain you can sit down for a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you.

The mountain can be reached either by private car or by bus, which often runs to Marika.

Mountain "Finger of God"

Mount "Finger of God" is a mountain that rises to a height of 1,692 meters above sea level and looks like a hand pointing a finger to the sky. It is one of several geological monuments of the faceted mountain, which is located in the Serra do Mar, between the Petropolis Guapimirim and Teresopolis mountains, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil. The mountain seemed to have grown out of the ground, as a sign to people.

It is the symbol of the state, located in national park, the mountain stands out for its unique shape and beauty. The symbol of Brazilian mountaineering - Mount "Finger of God" is certainly the most famous mountain in Brazil. The history of its conquest began in 1912 with the conquest of the “Finger of God” by five young tourists. Since that time, many tourists and city residents have been testing their strength to conquer such an inaccessible and beautiful mountain.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Guanabara Bay is amazing place, where islands, hills and sea alternate. But the most exotic thing is the Sugarloaf of this bay of Rio de Janeiro, followed by countless beaches.

The height of Sugarloaf is only 396 meters. But its slopes are completely vertical, and nothing grows on them. Today Sugar Mountain - favorite place tourist visits. Nowadays, travelers do not have to climb up steep cliffs, as was the case in past centuries; they climb Sugarloaf in cozy cable cars. At the top of Sugar Loaf it is cool and fresh even on a hot day. That's why there's nothing here but wonderful views in Rio de Janeiro.


Sights of Rio de Janeiro

One of the most recognizable places in Rio de Janeiro is the Pan de Azucar mountain, or Sugarloaf. It has a very unusual pointed shape, 400 meters high, towering over Guanabara Bay, in the eastern part of Rio de Janeiro. At the foot of the mountain, the story begins modern city, in 1565 a Portuguese settlement was founded here, which later turned into modern Rio.

This is where we will go today to take a look at Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings from above.

The mountain is located in the east of the city, a pointed peak in the area with the characteristic (for Russian language) name URCA. Get to the station cable car The easiest way is by taxi (which is relatively inexpensive, from the Capocabana area a taxi cost 12 reais = $5.3), or by bus to “Urca” from the Botafogo metro station. You can also walk, if you wish, about 20-25 minutes from the metro.

The cable car was opened here in 1912. At that time, it was the first cable car in Brazil, and the third in the world. Entrance fee is 53 R$ (1$ USA = 2.26 R$). On weekends and before sunset, you will have to wait in line, so it makes sense to arrive early.

The carriages can accommodate 75 people and depart when full, or every 15-20 minutes. It’s a pity that the neighboring line is freight; I wouldn’t mind going in an open cabin.)



The cable car has two levels. First we go up the hill with another amazing name Morro da Urca (217 meters):

And... we freeze with delight! What can I say, Rio de Janeiro really beautiful city, especially if you look at it from such observation platforms...

From here it seems clean, well-groomed and beautiful:

The hill opposite is called Morro da Babilônia, in other words, Babylon. And right behind the hill (not visible from here), there is a favela with the same name Morro da Babilônia:

Below is a magnificent beach called Red beach for some reason. However, beaches are everywhere here, along the entire coast...

IME - Instituto Militar de Engenharya)) - Military Engineering Institute:

View of the Botafogo, Flamengo areas (see map above). But the main thing is, of course, the statue of Christ the Savior, towering over Mount Corcovado (706 meters):

Here comes Urca. Apparently, today it is a prestigious residential area in which far from poor Brazilians live:

Here, at the intermediate station of the Morro da Urca cable car, everyone will find something interesting! Street cafes, souvenir shops, concert venue and other elements of tourism infrastructure. Here is located helipad, from where, if you have at least three passengers, you can fly over Rio:

The cost of a 7-minute flight over Rio costs about R$250. Unfortunately, I was not able to implement my plan, as I was huge queue on a weekend, and absolutely no one on a weekday (a minimum of 3 people are required for the flight). There is at least one reason to come back!))

Or you can just sit or stand, looking at the cityscape:

From here, from a height of 400 meters, the most impressive view of the city and surrounding area opens:

And also on southern part Rio de Janeiro, where the main tourist mecca is concentrated:

This is, first of all, Copacabana - one of the most famous areas of Rio de Janeiro. Located in the southern part of the city. Its natural border is the famous four-kilometer beach, along the embankment of which the no less famous Atlantic Avenue runs:

... and Ipanema (beyond the horizon). In this part of Rio, reigns almost all year round beach holiday and an atmosphere of complete relaxation. Numerous hotels, restaurants, beach activities and other “summer” pleasures. Both beaches (Capocabana and Ipanema) are located on the open Atlantic Ocean:

Uninhabited but frequently visited Cotunduba Island:

It must be said that the weather at the height of the mountain changes very often. The bright sun is shining, from somewhere from the ocean, or from the distant northern hills, clouds roll in, hiding the views of the city, or the fog completely covers the mountain, so you can’t see anything around.

Around the observation deck there are equipped paths along which strange flora grows:

As I said before, the weather changes quickly.

It immediately becomes cooler, and therefore more pleasant (in the sun + 28C + 30C).

Until the fog completely hid us from the outside world:

Only 15 minutes have passed, not a trace remains of the fog, nor of the pleasant coolness...

And again the sun fills everything around with soft light:

It's time to head back!

You can easily climb Morro da Urca on foot along scenic road with numerous viewing platforms. They say you can also climb Sugarloaf, but only accompanied by professional guides. Judging by the inaccessibility of the mountain, it is probably impossible to climb it without rock climbing skills.

And below, bohemian Urca is basking in the sun, somewhat reminiscent of Mediterranean resorts...

Urca and Botafogo districts:

The building on the left is the Rio Sul Center Building, one of the tallest in Rio de Janeiro. Although its height is only 164 meters, and its number of storeys is 50. At the top there is an observation deck, I believe with gorgeous views of the city:

Museu de Ciência da Terra is a museum of earth sciences, mineralogy and geology. The museum's collection, opened in 1909, contains a huge number of minerals, rocks, fossils, etc.:

The Institute Benjamin Constant (IBC) is a national clearinghouse for issues related to visual impairment. Within the walls of the institute there is an educational institution for the blind:

Sugarloaf Mountain (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) - detailed description, location, reviews, photos and videos.

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Sugarloaf (Pão de Açúcar) is a mysterious exotic place in Rio. What is it? A 396 m high mountain overlooking Guanabara Bay, the second most important observation deck in Rio after Corcovado. From the top of the mountain there is a stunning view of seascapes and golden sands, a panorama of the city at night and the famous statue of Christ.

Sugarloaf - what a strange name! Why the head, you can still understand, but what does sugar have to do with it? For some unknown reason, local residents compare the mountain to a lump of sugar. Whether this is true or not can only be understood by seeing the legendary Sugarloaf up close. There is another version, according to which the name comes from the sugar cane that once covered the slopes of the mountain.

It got its amazing shape as a result of the weathering of igneous rocks that ended up on the surface. Due to the special composition of the soil, there is almost no vegetation on the slopes. In the mid-16th century, the first inhabitants settled at the foot of Sugar Loaf. Subsequently, the city of Rio de Janeiro grew from a small settlement.

Today you can get to the top of the famous mountain by cable car in one of the cozy funiculars. The ascent is in two stages with an intermediate stop where it is necessary to change the trailer. By the way, you can walk up to the parking lot; the views are said to be stunning.

Address: Monto do Pão de Açúcar.

Funicular operating hours: 8:00 - 19:50, seven days a week.

Admission: 110 BRL, from 6 to 21 years old: 55 BRL, up to 6 years old admission is free.

  • In 1817, the English nurse Henrietta Carstairs reached the summit and planted the British flag, becoming the first conqueror of the famous mountain
  • The Sugar Loaf symbol was used by the authors of logo 28 world day youth
  • There are several expensive restaurants on the mountain, dinner at which will cost a lot of money, but the views of Rio in the setting sun and the lights coming on in the city are worth it
  • Every weekend from mid-November to February, the Carioca Nights festival takes place at Sugarloaf with the participation of the most popular artists in the country.

Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

The height of the rock formation is relatively small - 369 m, which does not prevent it from being so remarkable, a real pride local residents, from the top of which, at bird's eye level, a stunning panorama of Rio and its surroundings opens.

Photo gallery hasn't opened? Go to the site version.

Origin of the “sweet” name

There are several opinions regarding the origin of such interesting name, but it is still unknown which one is correct.

According to one version, Sugar Loaf received its name because of its elongated dome-shaped shape, reminiscent of a piece of sugar, which in those days, for longer storage and convenient transportation, was melted and poured into special molds, resulting in brown bullet-shaped candies.

Sugar Loaf

Some believe that the almost devoid of vegetation slopes of the mountain were once completely covered with sugar cane thickets. Others claim that the original Indian name of the mountain is “Paunh-acuqua”, which in the language of the natives of the Tupi tribe meant “Guardian of the Bay”, the Portuguese simply misheard them, confusing it with the consonant Pão de Açúcar ( Pan de Azucar).

Historians also recall that in the Middle Ages in Europe, one of the types of headdresses of cavalry knights during the Crusades were high conical helmets, which were called nothing more than Sugar Loaf. Who knows, perhaps the first Portuguese conquerors of these lands were dressed in them?

Climbing to the top of Pan de Azucar

Due to the characteristics of the soil, the steep slopes of the rock are practically exposed, so for a long time ordinary people it was not possible to go upstairs. Only in 1912, the first cable car in Brazil (the third in the world), designed by the architect, was built to its top Augusto Ferreira Ramos.

This cable car (Bondinho) is considered one of the most terrible and extreme in the world and the point is not at all that it has been operating for more than 100 years (it has been reconstructed several times and is completely safe), but because of the absolutely transparent cabins and height, to which she lifts tourists.

The cable car starts at the foot of the mountain in Praia Vermelha (port. Praia Vermelha, Red Beach) and lifts tourists in 2 stages: first it travels 220 m to the neighboring mountain Moro da Urca(port. Morro da Urca), and then another 749 m directly to the final destination - Sugar Loaf Peak. The carriages depart every 20 minutes and can accommodate 65 people, reaching a speed of up to 10 m/s (36 km/h), which allows you to cover both sections of the route in 6 minutes.

The ticket office where you can purchase a ticket is located on Praia Vermelha and is open daily from 8.00 to 17.50. Due to the endless queues, in order to buy the coveted ticket, you will have to stock up on a fair amount of patience. You can get rid of the tedious wait by purchasing in advance electronic ticket on the official website of the cable car.

View from the cable car

As of October 2017, the following prices are set*:

Ticket at the box office

Electronic ticket

Adult

R$80 R$78.1
Child (6-21 years)**
Students, disabled people, pensioners (over 60 years old) R$40

*Pricesare given as of October 2017 andinclude round trip travel, current prices for today, see the official website ;
***children under 6 years old – free travel

IMPORTANT: Payment is accepted in cash and credit cards. To receive benefits, children and pensioners must have a passport/passport photo; students and pensioners - supporting document + identity card.

Why you should make the climb

Having reached Mount Moro da Urca, you will be asked to get off the cabin and stay here for a while. Theoretically (if you are pressed for time) you can skip this point, but there is really something to see here.

Urka is covered with dense greenery with many good-natured monkeys and exotic birds. At its top there is a large observation deck with comfortable benches, a number of souvenir shops, cafes, small restaurants and the well-known Concha Verde Amphitheater, where various concerts and performances are held. It is Moro da Urca that is considered one of the most popular places in the city to celebrate Brazilian holidays, especially the New Year, because from here it opens beautiful view to the volleys of fireworks over Guanabara Bay, which New Year's Rio de Janeiro is so famous for!

There is also a helipad here. Anyone can fly in a helicopter with a transparent floor over the bay if they are willing to pay about $60 US for a 10-minute flight for a dose of such adrenaline.

After walking around Urca, you need to wait for the funicular and move on to the Sugar Loaf itself, which will not offer you anything except its observation platforms, from where a dizzying panorama of the bay, mountains, islands, kilometer-long stripes of sand and of course the city itself opens. All this is doubly beautiful if you come here in the afternoon against the backdrop of a fiery sunset.

Even on the hottest summer day it is fresh and quite cool here, so don’t forget to take something warm with you.

Sugar Loaf: How to get there

Almost all travel agencies in Rio offer a rich day tour program, which includes a visit to the statue of Christ the Redeemer in the first half of the day and Sugarloaf in the second.

If you want to drive on your own, the easiest way to get to the mountain is by taxi, just say the word Pan de Azucar to the driver, who will definitely understand you. Don't forget to make sure that he turns on the zeroed taximeter.